Frances

After honing her skills at illustrious dining establishments such as Aqua, Charles Knob Hill and Fifth Floor, as well as extensive travels in New Zealand and Italy, chef Melissa Perello opened her own spot in the Castro, named after her grandmother. Intimate but not precious, foodie but not pretentious, the restaurant showcases a market-driven menu with touches from Perello’s world travels. More than two decades since it opened and still receiving consistently good reviews, the restaurant remains a hot spot to book. Be aware that the dining room can feel noisy and somewhat cramped, so fine for a couple who don’t mind sitting close together but not ideal for a group. Reserve well in advance.